Right! I’ve come to the conclusion that clutch fluid is past it, the level is low and fluid has lots of bits in it.
Does anyone know if i can use DOT 4 fluid instead of DOT 3?
Also how much in terms of quantity will i need for a fluid change?
Finally, how easy is it to actually change the clutch fluid, as i would like to have ago myself?
Many thanks once again.
Hello ,
It's not too difficult, try and read through this a couple of times to figure it out..,
VERY similar to bleeding the brake fluid ..IF you've tried that.
basically you put clean fluid in the reservoir under the bonnet,( Buy 2 x 500ml bottles + only open 1 when needed - it "goes off" and absorbs moisture)
and use the clutch pedal to push the fluid into the slave cylinder ( on top of the gearbox) ,
and undo the small bleed nipple on the side of the slave cylinder to let the dirrty fluid out..!!, Best to use a bit of clear hose for this( screen washer type stuff)
You WILL need either a " beautiful young assistant" or an "easibleed" type kit which pressurises the Reservoir end so you don't have to keep pumping the clutch pedal..!!
I would syringe out ALL the dirty fluid from the reservoir and replace it with NEW clean brake fluid ( DOT 3 or4),
Then apply pressure to the pedal - keep the pressure on ..!! ( when the nipple is opened - the pedal will go right down to the floor / carpet..KEEP YOR FOOT DOWN),
then ( assistant) slowly open ( unscrew 1/2 a turn) the bleed nipple and let the OLD fluid run ito an old jamjar ,ETC. then CLOSE the bleed nipple. ( then release your foot pressure).
to ONE pump of the pedal you will only pump a small amount of fluid..
BE Careful to keep topping-up the fluid level in the reservoir
( if the level gets too low you could suck AIR into the clutch pipe)( bad news..!!)
Basically continue this routine until you get CLEAN fluid coming out of the bleed nipple,
THEN ,
close the nipple shut and then try giving the clutch pedal a couple of SHARP pumps , this may dislodge some air bubbles,
with the assistants foot still HARD on the clutch pedal,
just - Slightly - open and close the bleed nipple , this should send out the last air,
once clear fluid with no air bubbles comes out you are good to go,
I personally then replace the caps on both the reservoir - and little bootie on the bleed nipple ( if still intact..!!) and wash off the areas with water as Brake fluid is a VERY effective paint stripper.
As a precaution ,
put the car in gear - depress the clutch - and then briefly turn the starter ,
if the car lurches forward then the clutch is still dragging.. NEEDS further investigation,
BUT , you should be A1 ,
good luck,
let us know how it goes ,
Charlie